As the tension builds for what should be another unforgettable renewal of the Grand National, racing fans and punters from across the globe are sizing up the top contenders and trying to identify a few shrewd outsiders for the 2025 edition of the Aintree spectacular.
With a field packed with star quality of proven stayers, promising newcomers, and a few fairytale hopefuls, the big question remains: who will conquer the 30 famous fences at Aintree and etch their name into racing history?
Let's break down the form, trends, and ones to watch in the world's more iconic steeplechase.
Who are the favourites for the Grand National?
© Imago
In recent years, favourite backers have enjoyed success at the Grand National, with three of the past five winners starting the race as either joint or out-and-out betting market leaders, including in each of the last two editions. This year, a trio of horses stand out as the leading contenders ahead of Saturday's showpiece.
I Am Maximus - Paul Townend (7/1)
It feels like only yesterday when I Am Maximus tore away from the field by 7½ lengths in the run-in to win the 2024 Grand National, and the reigning champion returns this year, eyeing up a shot at history. While there are concerns about his prep and carrying top weight, do not let that fool you - this is a horse that comes to life at Aintree. Victory here would make I Am Maximus only the second horse since the legendary Red Run to land back-to-back Nationals.
Iroko - Jonjo O'Neill Jr (9/1)
Arguably the most progressive young chaser in the race, Ikoro has been carefully managed by his team with one goal in mind: Aintree glory! A Cheltenham Festival winner over hurdles and a smart second in a Grade 1 novice chase, this boy brings serious talent to the track (even if his stamina for the full 4m2f trip is unproven). Still lightly raced and with plenty of upside to like, Ikoro is a proper contender from the JP McManus camp.
Stumptown - Keith Donoghue (11/1)
Few horses at this year's Grand National arrive in better form than Stumptown. He has made the cross-country scene his playground, racking up four wins on the spin, including a commanding success at Cheltenham last month, which is widely considered the perfect trial for the Grand National. The eight-year-old has proven his staying power, and his bold jumping style will make him a lively contender. With conditions to suit and Gavin Cromwell firing of late, he is not far off the favourite at the books for a reason.
Who are the biggest outsiders for the Grand National?
While the spotlight is understandably hogged by the betting market leaders, the true thrill and magic of the Grand National often comes from those lurking at bigger prices. Some of racing's most beloved names are flying under the radar in 2025 - and here are a few worth keeping an eye on come Saturday.
Minella Indo - 22/1
Not the biggest roughie in the race by any stretch, but still at a very attractive price, is Minella Indo, who returns to Aintree with unfinished business. Now 12 years old, he is a Grand National veteran, a Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, and his third-place finish behind I Am Maximus last year was a mighty effort. The best part - he lines up this year carrying 1lb less.
His prep has been deliberately light, with just two runs this season, but that is standard practice for a seasoned campaigner like him. Trained by Henry de Bromhead, he showed plenty of guts in his runner-up finish a Punchestown before another solid showing in the Boyne Hurdle. If Minella Indo gets into a rhythm early, he has all the attributes to stay the distance when other fade.
Bravemansgame - 40/1
Odds of 40/1 are almost a shock for a former King George VI Chase winner, but that's what we have in Bravemansgame. That tells you everything you need to know about the competitiveness of this year's Grand National field, but do not let his price fool you, Bravemansgame is no ordinary long shot.
Paul Nicholls' classy chaser has a smashing strike rate in terms of landing in the money, finishing in the top seven in 25 of his 26 career runs. Although he has not tasted victory lately, his ultra-consistency among the front-runners has brought in over £720,000 in prize money.
Threeunderthrufive - 66/1
Here we have another outsider with solid staying credentials in Threeunderthrufive, who also represents the Paul Nicholls camp alongside Bravemansgame. He's a reliable type with a strong staying profile, and his pedigree suggests that he has no issue testing his endurance.
Despite lacking the star quality of some others in the field, Threeunderthrufive is as tough as they come and has quietly put together solid performances in long-distance handicap chases. If the National turns into a war of attrition, he is exactly the kind of slogger who can keep grinding and pick off rivals in the closing stages.
At 66/1, Threeunderthrufive is indeed a long shot, but these are the kinds of horses that the Grand National has made famous before.
We say: Hewick to win
Shark Hanlon's Hewick is a horse on a mission, and all signs point to him being a serious contender for the 2025 Grand National. He is a front-running, staying chaser that has proven his mettle time and again, with standout victories in major races like the King George VI Chase, Galway Plate, and the American Grand National.
At 10 years old, he's still in his prime, and his confidence-boosting win at Thurles over hurdles earlier this year shows that he is raring to go. If he gets a clean run and is allowed to dictate from the front, Hewick could well be the horse to give Shark Hanlon and his connections a fairytale victory at Aintree.
Devesh Jaganath
